Question

Leaves, stems, and roots are plant organs. When these structures are modified, they can change their original function to any of the following except

a. Carbohydrate storage
b. Cellular response to pathogens
c. Prevention of water loss
d. Protection from herbivores
e. Reproduction

Answer 1

Modified plant structures such as leaves, stems, and roots can support functions like carbohydrate storage, pathogen response, water loss prevention, and herbivore protection, but they do not directly enable plant reproduction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structures such as leaves, stems, and roots in vascular plants can be modified to perform functions that are different from their original roles. These modifications allow for

• Carbohydrate storage in parts like tubers and bulbs
• Cellular response to pathogens by producing defensive compounds
• Prevention of water loss through adaptations like waxy coatings or reduced leaf surfaces
• Protection from herbivores with structural features like thorns or tough, indigestible compounds like lignin

However, modifications in these structures typically do not lead to Reproduction. While flowers and cones, which are specialized stems, do contribute to the reproductive process, the structural adaptations of roots, stems, and leaves themselves do not directly result in plant reproduction.